Originally Conceived by Martin Thompson-Oram, and developed in conjunction with Robert Sorby over a four-year period, the RS3000 presents to the Woodturner a range of opportunities previously un-imagined. It is a precision instrument, combining 'state of the art' digital technology with traditional hand skills, positioning a moving cutter against a moving work-piece at precise positions at up to 50 times per second. There is nothing random about the way it operates; all aspects of the decoration are under the control of the operator.
Ornamental Turning Effects~
~On an Ordinary Lathe
The RS3000 fits without modification to any lathe which has a spindle speed of about 500 R.P.M. It performs different tasks at different speeds, permitting decoration over a range of diameters of work, though for most work 500 R.P.M. is used. The complete assembly has controls for all aspects of positioning the cutter and controlling the cutting action.
The RS3000 is the first ever Electronic Attachment that enables the
Wood Turner to create Ornamental Turning effects on an Ordinary Lathe. It produces these effects in a fraction of the time that would be taken by conventional Ornamental Turning because the work is decorated whilst it is revolving. In conventional Ornamental Turning the work is generally stationary while decorating is performed.
Simply Fitted~
~Operational in Minutes.
Fitting is a simple matter of positioning a magnet and a sensor, and replacing the conventional tool rest with the RS3000 'T' slide and controls. The sensor may be temporarily or permanently sited, as may the magnet.
(Seen above the RS3000 fitted and Operational on the Sorby Lathe)
The RS3000 has a unique cutting action, enabling the production of crisp precise carved decoration, cut to a polished surface straight from the cutter! The unique action also enables cuts to be made which meet at a point where their ends touch, as can be seen in the diagram below.
Unique Cutting Action
The Cutter advances and withdraws from the surface of the workpiece at each position. Because the cutter does not cut adjacent cuts one after the other, but 'skips' several positions before making another cut, the apex where two cuts meet is an exact point. The cutter does not cut at all positions in any one revolution of the work, in fact the cutter is only in contact with the work intermittently. It is out of contact at least 80% of the time.
The Microprocessor in the control box contains the program which impulses the cutter toward the work. The Operator selects how many index positions the cutter will cut at using the press switches on the front of the control box. The program contains information to make the cutter cut at 6, 8, 12, 16, 18, and 24 positions around the work. It also has the facility to rotate these positions around the work in 2.5degree 'steps', so that spiralling patterns may be built up using rows of cuts offset relative to each other.
Precise Automatic Indexing of Cuts~
~Irrespective of diameter of work-piece.
Seen above:
Two buttons in Ebony, and two finger rings in 'mock Ivory', showing the use of the offset control.
These items are less than 22mm. in diameter.
A range of six basic cutter profiles are supplied with the machine. They are : Left and Right Skew, 'V' Point, Square, Concave, and Round.
Almost Infinite Range of Patterns
~Range of cutters provided.
The Item below illustrates the use of the concave cutter to create the effect of 'Bamboo' basketweave. In this instance there are 16 index positions in each row of pattern, and each row is offset by 7.5 degrees relative to its neighbour.
Comprehensive Instruction Manual~
~Simple to use.
A comprehensive instruction manual is supplied with the machine, containing all the information necessary to set up the machine and start to make decorative designs. Obviously, it is not possible to include a text book on Ornamental Turning,- that is a whole discipline in its own right-, but there is more than enough to whet the appetite, with specific answers relating to the RS3000 and it's use.
The RS3000 is unlike any other turning tool. Its underlying aim is to make Ornamental Turning affordable to the majority of ordinary Woodturners.
Most users start to create interesting effects in minutes, and quickly appreciate the new dimension that the RS3000 adds to their work. Decorative borders become simple and quick, and more ambitious projects soon follow.
The controls of the RS3000 are there to assist the operator to develop skill in what is, for most Woodturners, a new discipline. However, the process is not automatic. The best results are, as with anything, the result of patience and skill.
For further information about his work, or technical assistance on the use of the RS3000, E Mail Martin Thompson-Oram
